9-Day Exclusive Tour | Southern to Northern Iraq

The Cradle of Civilizations: A Journey Through Mesopotamia

9-Day Exclusive Tour | Southern to Northern Iraq

Day 1: Arrival in Basra – The Venice of the East

• Arrival: Welcome at Basra International Airport. Assistance with immigration and customs.
• Explore: Discover the unique architecture and vibrant canals of Basra, a city where trade and history meet.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at 3 stars hotel.

Day 2: The Marshlands & The Ziggurat of Ur

• The Marshes: Visit Al Qurnah (the legendary site of the Tree of Adam) where the Tigris and Euphrates merge, followed by a boat tour through the mesmerizing Mesopotamian Marshes.
• The Sumerian Legacy: Explore the Great Ziggurat of Ur, the birthplace of Abraham.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at the Sumerion Hotel, Nasiriyah.

Day 3: The Origins of Writing – Uruk to Najaf

• Ancient Uruk: Visit the ruins of Uruk, the first true city in the world and the home of the Epic of Gilgamesh.
• The Holy City: Travel to Najaf, one of the most significant spiritual centers in the Islamic world.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at 3 stars hotel.

Day 4: Desert Fortresses & Sacred Karbala

• Ukhaider Fortress: Marvel at the architectural grandeur of the Al-Ukhaider Fortress, a masterpiece of early Islamic fortification.
• Holy Karbala: Continue to the historic city of Karbala.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at 3 stars hotel.

Day 5: Imperial Babylon & The Arch of Ctesiphon

• Babylon: Step into the past at the site of the Hanging Gardens and the Ishtar Gate in the great city of Babylon.
• Ctesiphon: Visit the world’s largest single-span brick arch, the Taq Kasra (Ctesiphon).
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at 3 stars hotel.

Day 6: Baghdad – The Abode of Peace

• Cultural Heritage: A morning visit to the Iraq National Museum, housing thousands of years of human history.
• Literary Heart: A stroll through Al-Mutanabbi Street, the historic center of Baghdadi culture and books.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at 3 stars hotel.

Day 7: The Spiral Minaret & The Resilience of Mosul

• Samarra: Visit the UNESCO-listed Malwiya Tower, the iconic spiral minaret.
• Mosul: Journey north to the historic city of Mosul, a symbol of Iraq’s enduring spirit.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at 3 stars hotel.

Day 8: Heritage & Faith (Mosul to Erbil)

Morning: Mosul’s Resilience

• Old City Exploration: Visit the ruins and reconstruction sites of the Al-Nuri Mosque and the Al-Tahira Church.
• Heritage Walk: Walk through the narrow alleys of the Old City to witness the local recovery and history.

Midday: Spiritual Heights

• Mar Mattai Monastery: Drive to Mount Maqlub to visit one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world. Enjoy the spiritual atmosphere and breathtaking views of the Nineveh Plains.

Afternoon: The Sacred Valley

• Lalish Temple: Visit the holiest site of the Yezidi faith. Experience the serenity of the valley and its unique conical domes (Note: entry is barefoot to respect the sanctity of the site).

Evening: Arrival in Erbil

• Transfer: Drive toward Erbil (approx. 1.5 – 2 hours).
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at 3 stars hotel.

Day 9: Departure

• Transfer to Erbil International Airport for your flight home, carrying the stories of 5,000 years of civilization.

Inclusions

• Airport Transfers:
  Meet-and-assist service with private transfers from and to the airport.
• Professional English-Speaking Guide:
  A dedicated English-speaking guide accompanying the group throughout the entire tour.
• Lunch Experience in the Marshes:
  Traditional Iraqi lunch featuring fish masgouf served in the Mesopotamian Marshes.
• Private Transportation:
  All transfers and touring conducted in a private vehicle throughout the program.
• Accommodation:
  Premium 4* and 5* hotels, ensuring superior comfort, prime locations, and high service standards.

Exclusions

• International Airfare:
  Flights to and from Iraq are not included.
• Visa Fees:
  Entry visa costs and any related processing charges.
• Entrance Fees:
  All entrance tickets to archaeological sites, museums, historical landmarks, and attractions mentioned in the itinerary are excluded unless otherwise specified.
• Lunches and Dinners:
  All lunches and dinners are excluded unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.